The expansion of Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, California, paused recently when the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation terminated its contract with its general contractor, Swinerton.
Construction on the project began in May 2017, and was originally scheduled to be completed in March 2019.
“This decision was reached following considerable contemplation and more than one year of good-faith attempts to get the project completed,” said Anthony Roberts, tribal chairman. “We are disappointed. This is not the outcome we expected, but we are fully committed to delivering a world class product to guests of our casino resort.”
The resort expansion project includes 459 new rooms and suites, a multi-purpose event center, resort pool complex and additional world-class restaurants.
Kari Stout-Smith, Cache Creek’s general manager and COO, cited non-performance, poor quality control and multiple missed milestones as some of the reasons for termination of the contractor, Swinerton.
“Significant efforts were made, including hiring an independent scheduling expert to ensure the project was delivered on-time and in accordance with the parties’ contract. Despite ongoing efforts, it was determined the agreed-upon standards of quality would not be met. Ultimately, and only after an unsuccessful attempt to develop a constructive path forward with the current general contractor and multiple missed deadlines, the decision to terminate was reached,” Stout-Smith said.
Hill International, Inc., a global firm that provides project/construction management and owner representation services, is the new project partner. Some of Hill’s prior casino-resort project consultation includes Wynn Encore and The Cosmopolitan Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, and Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Washington.
No specific new date for completion has yet been determined, though officials expect to open the expanded area to the public in 2020.
Cache Creek is one of Northern California’s largest casino-resorts, located 40 miles northwest of Sacramento and 80 miles from the San Francisco Bay area. It features nearly 3,000 slot machines, more than 100 table games, a poker room, a four-diamond hotel and nine restaurants.
